NEBOSH 

International General Certificate
Element 3
Element 3
Musculoskeletal Hazards & 
WEEK 2 – ELEMENT 2
Risk Control
Risk Control
Definition:
Ergonomics
Study of relationship between a worker and the
g environment
working

or

The design of a task around the requirements of

i di id l h
individual human capability
bilit

2
Ergonomics
ƒ People vary enormously in height, weight, strength

ƒ The equipment
q p designed
g to average
g man

ƒ This leads to physical injuries

3
 Ergonomic Assessment

Organisation Supervision, communication, monitoring, procedures, breaks, shift patterns

Equipment or Design around human limitations, analyse task, presentation of information,

Process correct tools/equipment and access

Physical and human capability

capability, knowledge,
knowledge attitude
attitude, experience
experience, personality
personality,
The Individual
fitness, training, skills, confidence, etc.

Environment Temperature, noise, space, lighting, humidity etc.

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 WRULD

Work Related Upper Limb Disorders
Causes of WRULDs
WRULDs are caused by:
ƒ Repetitive finger, hand, or arm movements, e.g. assembly line
work key board operators
work,
ƒ Twisting movements, e.g. meat and poultry preparation
ƒ Squeezing, e.g. using pliers, scissors
ƒ Pushing, pulling, lifting or reaching movements, e.g.
assembling
bli packing
ki b boxes.
ƒ Work on a production line.
ƒ Bricklaying
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Symptoms of Work related Upper Limb Disorders

1) Numbness or tingling in fingers etc.

2) Pain
3) Restriction in joint movement
4) Soft
S ft tissue
ti swelling
lli

In addition to symptoms - Redness, swelling and limitation of

movement

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 WRULDs Injuries
Injury Description Symptoms Causes

Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the Aching, tenderness, Repetative movements

tendons and or tendon swelling, extreme pain, often non strenuous
sheaths difficulty
y using
g hand

Tendonitis Inflammation of the area Pain swelling, Repetative movements

where the muscle and tenderness and redness
tendon join of hand, wrist

Carpal Tunnel Pressure on the nerves Tingling, pain and Repetitive work with
Syndrome which pass up the wrist numbness in the thumb bent wrist. Use of
and fingers vibrating tools

Tension neck Inflammation of the neck Localised pain in the Having to maintain a
or shoulders and shoulder muscles neck or shoulders rigid position

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 WRULDs

Osteo‐arthritis Trigger finger
E i d liti
Epicondylitis Tendonitis

Writer’s  Carpal tunnel  Tenosynovitis Tendonitis

cramp syndrome

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WRULDS ‐ Precautions
ƒ Identify at risk jobs (frequent hand and arm movement)
y j ( q )
ƒ Reduce the force frequency and duration
ƒ Design of the task
ƒ Design of the equipment
es g o e equ p e
ƒ Design of the work station
ƒ Automate the process
ƒ Job rotation
Job rotation
ƒ Regular breaks
ƒ Training Employees in correct use of tools
ƒ Medical surveillance
Medical surveillance
ƒ Assessment of individuals for the task

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 DSE
Display Screen Equipment
Display Screen Equipment
 Health Effects of DSE
1) Musculoskeletal disorders 
Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder & neck)
(h d h ld & k)
2) Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue)
3) Fatigue and stress 
Fatigue and stress (high speed, less breaks, lack of social interaction)
(hi h d l b k l k f i li t ti )
Other minor or alleged health effects
1 Epilepsy  
1. Epilepsy ( a common
( chronic
h i neurological
l i l didisorder)
d )
2. Facial dermatitis (itching, reddening)
3 Radiation (electromagnetic)
3. R di ti ( l t ti )
4. Effects on pregnant women ‐ (stress)

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DSE Users who are they?
ƒ Uses DSE for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time
Uses DSE for continuous or near continuous spells of an hour or more at a time

ƒ Uses DSE more or less daily

ƒ H t t
Has to transfer information quickly to or from DSE
f i f ti i kl t f DSE

ƒ Needs high levels of attention and concentration

ƒ Highly dependant on DSE

ƒ No choice  in the use or non‐use of DSE

ƒ Requires special training or skills

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D.S.E. Assessment
Organisation:
Job rotation, Breaks
Individual:  
Physical Characteristics, Training
Environmental:
Noise, Lighting, Glare, Temperature, Space etc.
Equipment:
Height/position of keyboard and screen, seating posture, design 
of chair, screen definition and colour, adjustability of equipment

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D.S.E. Workstation Requirements
1)   
) Good lighting 
g g
2)   No glare, distracting reflection   
3) Noise to a minimum
4) Ample legroom to allow postural movement
A l l t ll t l t
5)  Minimise glare (windows) 
6)  Suitable software   
7)  Screen suitable position 
8) Ample work surfaces
9) Suitable chair/adjustable
Suitable chair/adjustable
10) Footrest if necessary
11) Suitable environment

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 Other DSE Requirements
‰ Plan work with breaks
Plan work with breaks
‰ Provision of eye/eyesight test
‰ Training and information
• Risks from DSE work
• Importance of good posture
‰ Laptops (design, usage)
‰ Risk of manual handling, theft.  Smaller screen and keyboard, 
difficult to get good posture
difficult to get good posture
‰ The Mouse (good posture & technique) 

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MANUAL HANDLING
MANUAL HANDLING
 Manual Handling
Moving or supporting a load by hand or bodily force.  
Moving or supporting a load by hand or bodily force
Lifting, Lowering, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling

Internal Injuries
Internal Injuries
Muscle and ligament strains and sprains,  hernias, slipped discs, fractures and 
trapped nerve

External Injuries
Cuts, bruises, crush injuries, lacerations
 The Spine
The Spine

Cervical (7) Thoracic (12) Lumber (5)

ƒ Protection of the spinal column
Protection of the spinal column
ƒ Provide point of attachment for ligaments, Tendons, Muscles
ƒ Supports the skeletal framework
 The Intervertebral Disc
Vertebra
Intervertebral
Disc
Nucleus 
Pulposus
Annulus 
Fibrosis
Act as a hydraulic shock absorber
Act as a hydraulic shock absorber
Strong connecting link between vertebrae
Allow movement between each vertebra
 Guideline Filter
There is no such thing as a completely ‘safe’ manual handling operation. But working
within the following guidelines will cut the risk and reduce the need for a more detailed
assessment.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment

Load
Individual
Task
Environment
Remember: LITE
The Load
ƒ Physical weight (Heavy)
ƒ Size (Bulky)
ƒ Shape (Difficult to grasp)
ƒ Rigidity (Contents liable to shift)
ƒ O id
Outside surfaces (Sharp)
f (Sh )
ƒ Stability of contents (Unstable)
ƒ Other hazards hot/cold/sharp 
Other hazards ‐ hot/cold/sharp
The Individual

1) Sex
2) Physical strength
Physical strength
3) Stature (Physique; Height, etc)
4)) State of health 
5) Level of training
6) Hazards to pregnant women 
7) Person’s perception of their ability
 The Task
ƒ Holding loads away from trunk
H ldi l d f k
ƒ Twisting/stooping/reaching
ƒ Large vertical movements
Large vertical movements 
ƒ Distances involved
ƒ Strenuous pulling and pushing of load
p g p g
ƒ Repetitive handling
ƒ Unpredictable movement of load
ƒ Sufficient rest or recovery period
ƒ A work rate imposed by the process 
The Environment
ƒ Lighting  (poor)
ƒ Ventilation  (strong air)
ƒ Obstacles
ƒ Height of work surfaces
ƒ T
Temperature (Hot/Cold)
t (H t/C ld)
ƒ Floor conditions 
ƒ Space available
Space available
Practical Measures to Avoid Manual Handling Injuries
a) Avoid Manual Handling
Avoid Manual Handling
b) Risk Reduction
c) Automation & mechanisation 
d) Team handling
h dl
e) Training
f)) Smaller, lighter load
, g
g) Selection (individual and mechanical aid)
h) Good Environment (spacing ; flooring;  temp; light)

If load is too heavy get HELP!!!
Other Practical Manual Handling Controls
Other Practical Manual Handling Controls
ƒ Job Rotation – staff can alternate between manual 
h dli
handling and lighter duties
d li ht d ti
ƒ Consulting with employees 
ƒ Recording of assessments 
ƒ Review assessments
Correct Lifting Technique

1) Appropriate clothing 5) Grip the load
2) Assess Load 6) Lift load close to body
3) Position of feet 7) Carry the load ‐ Avoid twisting body
4) Ad
Adopt good posture
d 8) S t d
8)   Set down load 
l d
Handling equipment can come with their own hazards.
Handling equipment can come with their own hazards.
ƒ Incorrect use leading to injury
ƒ Handling equipment running over a person feet
Handling equipment running over a person feet
ƒ Poor design
ƒ Inappropriate for the working environment
Inappropriate for the working environment
ƒ Poor maintenance
 Manual Handling Aids 

Suction pads

Paving slab lifter
Panel lifter
Panel lifter

Manhole lifter
 Manual Handling Aids ‐ Trolley

Conventional trolley

Hydraulic trolley Stair climber trolley
Manual Handling Aids ‐ Trucks
Pallet truck Platform truck
Manual Handling Aids
 Manual Handling Aids

Panel Lifter H it
Hoists H i t d R ll
Hoist and Roll
Manual Handling Aids 
Lifting Devices

Floor crane Mobile gantry
Lifting Equipment/Accessories (Tackle)

Four leg sling

Two leg sling

Shackles
 Types of Crane

Overhead Mobile

Tower Gantry
Overhead Travelling Cranes
Gantry Crane
Tower Cranes
Mobile Cranes Safety
ƒ Crane Suitability
Crane Suitability
ƒ Ground Conditions
ƒ Outriggers
ƒ Obstructions
ƒ Overhead Power Lines
ƒ Protected Area
ƒ Suitable lifting tackle
Suitable lifting tackle
ƒ Correct Slinging
ƒ Competence of personnel
ƒ Load near ground if travelling
Load near ground if travelling
ƒ Good Visibility and Communications
ƒ Monitoring wind speed
Cranes – Main Hazards

ƒ Overturning
ƒ O e oad g
Overloading
ƒ Collision
ƒ Failure of Support
pp
ƒ Loss of Load
ƒ Failure of load bearing part
ƒ High winds
Crane Accidents (Tower)
Crane Accidents
Crane Accidents (Mobile)
F klift T k (FLT)
Forklift Trucks (FLT)
An FLT can come with their own hazards.  
Loss of load caused by:
Loss of load caused by: ‐ Collisions with:
Collisions with:
‐ Pot holes (poor surface  • Pedestrians
conditions) • Other vehicles
‐ Forks not fully under load
F k t f ll d l d • Building
‐ Turning too quickly • Stock
Overturning caused by:
‐ Driving on slopes Failure caused by:
‐ Uneven ground ‐ Poor maintenance
‐ Driving with load raised
Driving with load raised
‐ Driving too fast
‐ Overloading
Types of cranes
Types of cranes

Gantry crane

Tower crane
What are the main hazards associated with cranes?
ƒ Overturning ‐ weak support, operating outside the machine’s capabilities, by 
striking obstructions
ƒ O
Overloading ‐
e oad g eexceeding the operating capacity, failure of safety devices
ceed g e ope a g capac y, a u e o sa e y de ces
ƒ Collision ‐ with other cranes, overhead cables or structures
ƒ Failure of support – siting over cellars & drains, outriggers not extended or not 
sited on solid ground
sited on solid ground
ƒ Loss of load ‐ failure of lifting tackle or slinging procedure
ƒ High winds ‐ affect the stability of outdoor lifting operations
Crane Operation Assessment
ƒ Position
Position of crane: near to building, overhead obstructions, 
of crane: near to building, overhead obstructions,
restricted access by others
ƒ Erecting/dismantling : use of other cranes
ƒ Ground conditions: level, underground voids
ƒ Load: too heavy, secure, load near ground if travelling
ƒ Weather condition: rain, wind, hot/cold
W h di i i i d h / ld
ƒ Workers:  banksman, training, level of fitness, familiar with 
equipment
ƒ Equipment: inspected, tested, pre‐use check
S f
Safety Measures using Cranes
M i C
9 Pre‐use check
9 Adequate strength
Adequate strength
9 Safe working load
9 Load indicators
ƒ Rated capacity indicator
p y
ƒ Rated capacity limiter
ƒ Load lifting device
ƒ Controls
ƒ Over travel switches
ƒ Safe Access 
ƒ Operating position
ƒ No passengers
N
ƒ Lifting attachments tested/examined
Employee Safety During Lifting
l f i if i
ƒ Not exceeding safe working load
Not exceeding safe working load
ƒ Trained Personnel (crane operators etc.)
ƒ Good communication
ƒ Properly maintained equipment
ƒ Equipment has undergone statutory 
inspection
ƒ Correct and free from defects lifting 
accessories
ƒ Ensuring load is secure
Employee Safety During Lifting
l f i if i
ƒ Warning of lift taking place
g gp
ƒ Path free from obstacles
ƒ Avoid overhead power lines 
ƒ All personnel clear of load
All personnel clear of load
ƒ Lift load vertically
ƒ Lift load to correct height
ƒ Move at appropriate speed
i d
ƒ Put down in safe position and   release tension
ƒ Safety Helmets
ƒ Adequate supervision
Precautions when using accessories
ƒ A competent person needs to inspect the accessories at regular 
p p p g
intervals
ƒ The accessories need to be inspected prior to each use
ƒ They need to be certified and tested
Th d b ifi d d d
ƒ Trained staff
ƒ Packing between load and accessories
Packing between load and accessories
ƒ Should be used only for its purpose
ƒ Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly marked
g y
ƒ Not to repair accessories on site
ƒ Correct storage
 Planning Lifting Operations
ƒ The team that will be needed.
ƒ Lifting operation supervision.
ƒ The load – weight centre of gravity, shape, lifting points, surface condition, etc.
ƒ Safe system of work permit to work risk assessments
Safe system of work, permit to work, risk assessments.
ƒ Environment – weather, ground conditions, public, and vehicles.
ƒ The certification and validity of the equipment
ƒ The route of the load – obstacles, clear set down area, visibility, Securing the area
ƒ Dismantling and completion of the lifting operation.
ƒ Creating lifting plan diagrams.
ƒ To determine the reaction of the lifting equipment prior to a full lift a suitable trial 
can be arranged.
 Hoists

Chain hoist Goods hoist Patient hoist

 HOIST HAZARDS

ƒ Hoist may fall from height
Hoist may fall from height
ƒ Overturn
ƒ Collapse
ƒ Hoist striking persons who may be under or near the 
platform or cage
platform or cage
ƒ Hoist failure causing the persons being lifted to be 
stranded
ƒ Supporting ropes could fail / platform/cage could fall
ƒ Items/load falling from height
Items/load falling from height
Control measures on use of Hoist 
ƒ The driver be able to see landing (visibility).
ƒ Regular maintenance and inspection.
ƒ Gates to be closed before lifting is carried
out. Electromagnetic interlocks in place.
ƒ Hoist operators be trained and regular
refresher training carried out.
ƒ The hoist operation must be carried out
from one position.
Control measures on use of Hoist 
ƒ Prior to any lifting operation clear signal e.g. audible
warning.
ƒ Any
A goods
d are secured.
d
ƒ Guards to prevent contact with machinery / moving parts.
ƒ Needs to have statutory safety devices.
 Control measures on use of Hoist 
ƒ Holdback gears (for rope failure).
ƒ Landing gates (closed during operation)
ƒ Fire proof lift shaft (where applicable).
ƒ Passenger hoist operators controls to be inside the cage.
ƒ Installed by a competent person and have an adequate
design.
 Conveyors

Belt Screw Roller

 Hazards of Conveyors
Contact
C t t – Cuts
C t and
d abrasions
b i ffrom moving
i parts
t (d
(drive
i
elements)
Trapping – The conveyor can draw in a person limbs
and/or clothes
Noise – The mechanical movement of the conveyor
creates noise
Falling objects – Materials falling off the conveyor
Entanglement
g – with rollers and drive mechanisms
Manual handling – of load
Hazard Control Measures
ƒ Emergency stop buttons
ƒ Fixed/interlocked guards
ƒ Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance
ƒ Side guards
ƒ Restricted access
ƒ Trip wires
ƒ Safe access
ƒ g g,
Avoiding loose clothing,
ƒ Head protection
QUESTION
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal 
shelves.

a) Identify four types of injury that the worker could suffer 
while carrying out this activity (4)
Cuts from sharp metal shelves, muscle strain from lifting of 
boxes, crushing injury from dropping boxes onto foot, hernia 
from lifting heavy boxes slip disc from incorrect lifting
from lifting heavy boxes, slip disc from incorrect lifting 
technique.
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal 
shelves.

a) Identify factors in relation to the task that could increase 
the risk of injury (4).   

The amount of lifting, twisting, turning, reaching and bending, 
the rate of work Distances involved Strenuous pulling and
the rate of work, Distances involved Strenuous pulling and 
pushing of load, Repetitive handling Unpredictable movement 
of load, Sufficient rest or recovery period
• Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities 
y g
in relation to 

1 The load
1. The load

2. The individual
The Load
ƒ Physical weight (Heavy)
ƒ Size (Bulky)
ƒ Shape (Difficult to grasp)
ƒ Rigidity (Contents liable to shift)
ƒ O id
Outside surfaces (Sharp)
f (Sh )
ƒ Stability of contents (Unstable)
ƒ Other hazards hot/cold/sharp 
Other hazards ‐ hot/cold/sharp
The Individual

1) Sex
2) Physical strength
Physical strength
3) Stature (Physique; Height, etc)
4)) State of health 
5) Level of training
6) Hazards to pregnant women 
7) Person’s perception of their ability
Identify the possible ill health effects to workers using display 
screen equipment.
1) M
Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder & neck)
l k l t l di d (h d h ld & k)
2) Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue)
3) Fatigue and stress (high speed, less breaks, lack of social interaction)
Other minor or alleged health effects
1. Epilepsy  ( a common chronic neurological disorder)
2. Facial dermatitis (itching, reddening)
Facial dermatitis (itching, reddening)
3. Radiation (electromagnetic)
4. Effects on pregnant women ‐ (stress)

70